Part-Time Jobs in Japan for Students: The Complete Guide

International students in Japan can often work part time, but Student status does not authorize employment by itself. You need permission for activities outside your residence status, and you must stay within the permitted hours and job categories.

This guide reflects official information available in August 2026. Treat your university and Japan's Immigration Services Agency as the authorities for your individual situation.

Get permission before you work

The permission is called shikakugai katsudo kyoka, or permission to engage in activities outside your status of residence.

Many students apply at the regional immigration office. Certain newly arriving students with Student status and an intended stay of more than three months may also apply at the port of entry. Your ward or city office handles local resident procedures, but it does not issue this work permission.

Do not begin paid training, a trial shift, freelance work, or an online job until you know it is authorized. Ask your university international office if you are unsure whether an activity counts as work.

Some paid research or educational assistance performed under a contract with your own university may fall under a specific exception. Confirm the conditions with the university rather than assuming all campus work is exempt.

The working-hour limits

With the standard comprehensive permission, international students may generally work:

• Up to 28 hours in one week during the academic term.
• Up to eight hours in one day during long school holidays set by the university.

The 28-hour limit applies across all jobs combined. If you work for two employers, you do not receive 28 hours for each one.

Your studies must remain your primary activity. Poor attendance or academic progress can create problems even when your recorded working hours appear compliant. Keep your schedule, payslips, and employment records.

Jobs that are prohibited

Students may not work in adult-entertainment businesses or at establishments connected to that sector. The restriction applies even to duties that do not appear sexual, such as cleaning, kitchen work, reception, or handing out flyers for the business.

If the workplace category is unclear, ask your university or immigration office before accepting the job. A manager's reassurance is not a legal opinion.

What students actually earn

Japan's official Study in Japan site reports that about 65 percent of privately financed international students have part-time jobs. Its latest published survey figures state an average monthly income of approximately ¥81,000 and an average hourly wage of about ¥1,300. Those figures come from the 2023 JASSO survey and are national averages, not promises.

Pay varies by prefecture, role, shift, language requirements, and experience. Check the current minimum wage for the prefecture where you will work and read the written employment conditions before accepting.

The same official guidance warns against claims that students can earn enough through part-time work to cover all tuition and living expenses or send substantial money home. Build your study budget without depending on the maximum legal working hours.

Common student jobs

Restaurants and cafes

Food-service work is widely available, but customer-facing roles often require practical Japanese. Kitchens and dishwashing roles may have different language expectations. Late shifts can interfere with morning classes, so judge the timetable honestly.

Convenience stores and retail

These jobs involve customer service, payment systems, stocking, cleaning, and detailed store procedures. Japanese ability is usually important because you must understand customers and workplace instructions.

Hotels and tourism

Hotels, hostels, and tourism businesses may value additional languages. The role can still require Japanese for safety, coordination, and guest service. Ask whether early-morning or late-night shifts fit your transport and class schedule.

Tutoring and language support

Language tutoring may suit students with strong communication skills. Confirm whether you are an employee or independent contractor, how preparation time is paid, where lessons occur, and whether the arrangement is covered by your permission.

University roles

Universities may advertise library, office, research, teaching-assistant, or event-support positions. These can fit the academic calendar well, but places are limited. Use your university's official job board and confirm the immigration treatment of the specific role.

How to find a legitimate job

Start with sources that have some accountability:

1. Your university career center or international office.
2. The university's campus job board.
3. Established recruitment sites and local public employment services.
4. Businesses that display a formal recruitment notice.
5. Referrals from students you trust, followed by your own verification.

Ask for written employment conditions covering the employer's name, workplace, duties, hourly pay, working hours, pay date, probation, transport reimbursement, and contract period. Keep a copy.

Never pay a large placement fee for an ordinary student job. Be cautious about employers who want to keep your passport or residence card, pay only in cash without records, disguise the real workplace, or ask you to exceed your permitted hours.

Japanese ability and job readiness

You do not need the same Japanese level for every role. A position involving customers, safety instructions, or complex procedures will demand more than a role with limited interaction.

Learn the language you need for the workplace:

• How to confirm a shift and report lateness.
• How to ask for clarification.
• Basic safety and emergency vocabulary.
• Polite customer greetings.
• Numbers, dates, and money.
• The names of routine tasks and equipment.

Do not overstate your level in an interview. A clear explanation of what you can handle is safer for you and the employer.

Tax, payroll, and insurance

Your employer should explain gross pay, deductions, and the pay schedule. Income tax treatment depends on factors such as residency, income type, treaties, and total annual earnings. Resident tax and social-insurance questions can also depend on your circumstances.

Do not rely on a single internet threshold as a complete answer. Keep payslips and annual tax documents, ask the employer's payroll team, and use your municipal tax office or Japan's National Tax Agency for current guidance. If you have multiple jobs, ask whether you need to file a return.

Balance work with the reason you are in Japan

The legal maximum is not a recommended weekly target. Start with fewer hours until you understand your class workload, commute, sleep needs, and examination schedule. Leave enough time for attendance, assignments, language learning, and daily administration.

If you are considering a short program such as the Tokyo Summer Intensive, do not assume you can work during it. Permission depends on your status of residence and the program structure. Ask before planning any employment income.

For broader budgeting, read the cost of living in Tokyo guide and the Japan student visa guide. For program questions, contact Asia Pathway.

Before accepting a job

Confirm all of the following:

• You have the required immigration permission.
• The business and duties are permitted.
• Your combined schedule stays within the hour limit.
• You received written employment conditions.
• The commute works after late shifts.
• The job will not damage attendance or academic progress.
• You know who to contact about payroll and workplace problems.

A lawful, well-documented job can add useful experience and income. It should support your education in Japan, not put your student status at risk.

Official sources

• Study in Japan: Part-time work
• Immigration Services Agency: Permission for activities outside your status